Deployed commander, grandson of Enola Gay pilot, shares history with local students

Col. Paul Tibbets IV, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, talks to U.S. History students at the American school, May 18. Col. Tibbets shared memories passed on by his grandfather, Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets -- the man who dropped the bomb named "Little Boy" on Aug. 6, 1945. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno)

Deployed commander, grandson of Enola Gay pilot, shares history with local students

Published May 20, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Liliana Moreno
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- It has been nearly 66 years since the B-29 bomber named Enola Gay flew over Hiroshima, Japan, and put an end to World War II -- making history that will be remembered throughout generations.

For the vice commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, one of the defining events of recent history has a personal connection.

Col. Paul Tibbets IV shared memories passed on by his grandfather, Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets -- the man who dropped the bomb named "Little Boy" on Aug. 6, 1945.

Students and teachers asked questions and discussed some of the controversies about this historic day. They discussed the political overview on the United States dropping the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima to end the war.

"It was good to give them a different perspective," Colonel Tibbets said. "It is a privilege to be able to share the living history of my family members."

"The kids were really engaged; they loved it," said Dr. Phillip Stroup, director of development and external relations for the school. "It gave them a lot of good information and good insight."